Pregnancy is an important stage in a woman’s life and it’s one where utmost care should be taken.
Certain things a woman does when she’s pregnant can lead to miscarriage and affect the fetal development.
Below are things every woman should avoid during pregnancy.
1. ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
Alcohol consumption is risky when a woman is pregnant, especially during the first and second trimester. It can affect the fetal development and lead to long-term defects of the baby.
2. RIGOROUS EXERCISING
While light exercising should be encouraged during pregnancy, rigorous exercises can affect your heart rate, causing a lower supply of oxygen to the foetus and this can have damaging effects on the unborn child.
3. STANDING FOR TOO LONG
Standing for too long isn’t good for a pregnant woman and can result in varicose veins and edema, an abnormal infiltration and accumulation of fluid in connective tissues.
4. STRESS
Pregnant women should also shy away from stressful situations. Stress can pose certain health risks for both the mother and child. Research has even found that it can also affect the mental development of a child.
5. SMOKING AND USE OF HARD DRUGS
Smoking is very risky for the unborn child; it can lead to congenital defects, affect organ development and limit the oxygen intake of the foetus.
Use of hard substances can also lead to complications before and after birth. It can also cause serious damage to the foetus.
6. HOT BATHS
Hot baths and steam pools should be avoided during pregnancy. A study found that excessive exposure to heat, especially during the first trimester could increase the risk of neural tube defects in a baby. Hot tubs have also been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage.
7. PESTICIDES
Pesticides aren’t really healthy for pregnant women. It has been associated with neural tube defects and deformities of the heart and limbs. Pesticides shouldn’t be applied by the pregnant woman and when used, she should avoid the area according to the prescribed time.
These seven things are a must not for a pregnant woman. Pregnancy is really an important stage and that’s where the child’s development actually starts.
ViV